A few months after leaving my full-time role at Publicis Groupe, I set my heart on something: working for FIFA and being part of the World Cup energy here in Miami. With the World Cup HQ perched in Coral Gables, it felt more than possible — I could literally see it from my apartment window. Walking distance, background in athletic brands and global sponsorships, right place at the right time. I was primed and ready.
I applied. Applied again. Applied some more.
I registered my company, From The Fringe, as a vendor. Chased RFP proposals. Networked with the host city commission. Showed up to every outreach event I could find.
I started approaching people in FIFA shirts on the street — on Giralda Plaza, over empanadas and beers at Graziano's. I met loads of people from FIFA that way. I even landed a few interviews, including one for a dressing and signage role. Blitzed out LinkedIn connection requests to FIFA folks, maxing out every week.
I got denied. Over and over. It was deflating every time.
But I really believe in what FIFA stands for — even if it's "just" an idea. Uniting the world through a beautiful game is a noble thing to aim for, and it actually works. You feel the connection. Strangers spark conversations over it. I've made real friends and found real reasons to gather because of it.
I never got a job with FIFA. But something did come along: an official FIFA credential and a spot working as a vendor at a mini pitch activation before the games. I made the absolute most of it — possibly too much fun. I got to hold a megaphone and yell GOOOOOAAALLLL, dale dale dale, vamos! — turning a small activation into something genuinely fun for every fan who jumped in to play. I got a real taste of that World Cup energy, watching fans sprint — quite literally run — into the stadium.
I've shared Lyfts with people heading to games. Made FIFA friends on the Brightline. Had strangers smile and nod at me because of the badge, half-convinced I was someone important. I got to be part of a recreation pitch for David Beckham's iconic free kick against Greece — the one that sent England to the 2002 World Cup — fetching balls while Sir David himself took selfies and signed autographs for fans and kids with total grace. The man genuinely has a noble and sincere purpose of growing soccer in the US, and he's been steadily and effectively pursuing that dream, leveraging his star power to energize the sport here. We have Messi in Miami, but it's all on the back of Beckham.
And then there was the sea of blue and white Messi jerseys streaming into the stadium, singing Argentine anthems — got me thinking they should make a Real Slim Shady remix: "I'm Leo Messi, yes I'm the real Messi, all you other Leo Messis are just imitating..."
I've probably said too many times that it feels like I'm in Europe here — games on every TV, giant screens and watch parties spilling out of parks and restaurants. Giralda Plaza has that modern Italian piazza feel to it — a little hit of nostalgia for being in Sicily during the 2006 World Cup, the year Italy won.
I'm going to miss this. I still hope to find a way to contribute to this organization for real. But I'm grateful — genuinely — for the small piece of it I got to be part of.
#FIFAWorldCup #Miami
